FREDONIA, Ariz. — Although the history contained in the park is ageless, the monument and its assets have been protected for public viewing for 100 years.
Throughout 2023, Pipe Spring National Monument will host numerous events and programs to recognize the centennial anniversary of the park’s establishment on May 31, 1923.
Pipe Spring staff will share the stories of the people, plants and animals who have relied on the monument’s spring water since time immemorial. Over the past 100 years, various stories were shared — and sometimes not shared.
Some of those stories can be difficult to hear, such as stories of indentured servitude, Native American slavery, religious persecution, water usage in a desert climate and shrinking high desert grasslands.
“We will highlight and honor the contributions, from the individuals, families and diverse cultures who have made an impact on the Monument and the region, with intent to build a foundation for future celebrations of cultural heritage,” said Ian Harvey, National Park Service media relations spokesperson, in a news release. “We will also share those difficult stories, host cultural demonstrations and presentations, update our interpretive products and set the tone for the next 100 years.”
Monument staff, in collaboration with the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, have been leading hikes on the Kaibab Paiute Reservation, opening the doors for curatorial tours and hosting local school groups.
A new exhibit on display in the Cultural Museum entitled “Kaibab Perspectives” features the stunning photography of Kaibab Paiute member Toland Mayo as he captures moments in the Monument in striking black and white imagery.
Additional exhibits will be in rotation throughout 2023. The Pipe Spring Visitor Center and Museum is currently open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.
Pipe Spring National Monument, approximately one-hour east of St. George, in Arizona, does not observe daylight saving time.
Events at Pipe Springs in 2023:
- April 22, 9 a.m.-noon: Adopt-a-Highway Litter Pickup
- April 29, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.: Pipe Spring Olympics
- May 5, noon: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Day Presentation
- May 20, 5-10 p.m.: Southern Paiute Drumming, performance by Kanab-based Symphony of the Canyons and ranger-led Astronomy Program — Kaibab Paiute RV Park
- May 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.: Establishment Day Cultural programs and demonstrations.
- June 2, 1-3:30 p.m.: Cowboy Poetry and Southern Paiute Drumming Music
- June 3, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Community BBQ, gathering and Native American Arts market
- June 4, 8 p.m.: Full Moon meditation
- July 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Pioneer Day Games
- August 18, 7-10:30 p.m.: Pipe Spring Star Party — Kaibab Paiute RV Park
- October 14, 8-11 a.m.: Solar Eclipse viewing
- December 2, 4- 7:30 p.m.: Pipe Spring Holiday Traditions
For detailed information, a complete list of events can be found at the Pipe Spring Centennial — Pipe Spring National Monument website.
In November 2022, Pipe Spring National Monument formally introduced their newest additions to the monument family, two young Texas longhorns.
“We see so much value in being able to provide these living interpretive exhibits, especially in rural areas like the communities surrounding Pipe Spring,” Superintendent Amanda McCutcheon said in the news release. “You would have to travel hundreds of miles to have a similar experience. It’s a real treat not just for visitors but for local communities as well.”
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